CHADWICK, Irene Kooi 1936-

PERSONAL:

Born December 3, 1936, near Lebanon, Sioux County, IA; daughter of Frederick (a farmer) and Ida (a homemaker; maiden name, Sybesma) Kooi; married Douglas Chadwick (a doctor), September 6, 1957; children: Nanette Chadwick Furman, Brent, Eric, Tim. Ethnicity: "Dutch parents." Education: Attended Calvin College and Harvard University, between 1954 and 1958; University of Colorado, B.A., 1959; California State University—Stanislaus, M.A., 1979. Politics: Democrat. Religion: Episcopalian. Hobbies and other interests: Hiking, photography, reading, theater.

ADDRESSES:

Home—1844 Scenic Dr., Apt. 338, Modesto, CA 95355. E-mail—irenekooi@att.net.

CAREER:

Poet, writer, and photographer, 1975—. Modesto Junior College, teacher of poetry writing and psychology. Stanislaus County Women's Resource Center, founder; Ietje Kooi Press, publisher; member of local writing groups.

MEMBER:

Academy of American Poets, National League of American Pen Women, Poets and Writers, Poets House.

AWARDS, HONORS:

Award from Ina Coolbrith Circle, for a historical poem; California Historical Award for "Pueblo."

WRITINGS:

Dawn Pearl (poetry), Ietje Kooi Press, 1994.

Iowa Images: Dutch Immigrant History Illustrated, Pie Plant Press, 2004.

Contributor of articles, poetry, and photographs to periodicals, including Mindprint Review, Napa Review, and Wind Meter.

WORK IN PROGRESS:

Collecting travel stories published between 1980 and 1990.

SIDELIGHTS:

Irene Kooi Chadwick told CA: "I don't know why I write, but my writing is influenced by many great writers and books, journals, newspapers, my contemporaries and their work in the Great Central Valley of California, a large place, and the smaller San Joaquin Valley in particular. My writing is also inspired by my ten brothers and sisters and our farm in Iowa.

"My writing process? I see. I feel. I reflect. I am curious enough to try to express in words what I am trying to understand. The pages rest, and when I see them again, I can see a faint scratching that—like a chicken in the barnyard—is trying to uncover something to eat. If I can taste the feeling reflected, then I edit, add, revise, and gradually I may find I have recovered what was underground."